Episode Details

It’s the Ranch It Up Radio Show! Join Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt, Rebecca Wanner AKA BEC and their crew as they continue the discussion on rebuilding the nation’s cowherd from the historically lowest levels ever.  Plus updates on JBS beef processing plant closures, market reports, upcoming sales and lots more on this all-new episode of the Ranch It Up Radio Show. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel.

Rebuilding The Nation’s Cowherd

Cowherd numbers along with cattle supplies are the lowest that they have ever been.  However, producers are slowly rebuilding their herds paying close attention to genetics, economics, efficiency, and potential salvage value of cows.

Cattle Industry News Tyson Closes Two Plants, Plans on a Third

Tyson Foods is restructuring its beef business, announcing plans to close two facilities and look for a buyer for a third.

The company will shut down its beef plant in Joslin, Illinois, and its case-ready facility in Eagle Mountain, Utah. Tyson also plans to sell its beef facility in Pasco, Washington.

Tyson says it will concentrate its beef operations around three main plants in Dakota City, Nebraska; Holcomb, Kansas; and Amarillo, Texas.

The company says production from the closed facilities will be shifted to other plants, and Tyson plans to eventually add a second shift in Amarillo as cattle supplies become available.

Tyson says the move is a response to the historically tight U.S. cattle supply. Recent USDA inventory numbers show heifer retention remains limited, suggesting the cattle herd isn't rebuilding quickly.

The closures are another sign of the pressure facing beef processors as fewer cattle are available and margins remain tight.

Tyson says it will help affected employees find jobs at other company facilities, but has not said how many workers will be impacted.

The company previously closed its Lexington, Nebraska, beef plant in January and reduced Amarillo from two shifts to one.

Meanwhile, Cargill and JBS have also closed or repurposed beef facilities as the nation's cattle inventory remains historically tight.

REFERENCE: https://meatingplace.com/tyson-to-close-two-beef-facilities-pursue-sale-of-third/

Cargill Fort Morgan Plant Set To Restart 

More than 1,700 workers at Cargill’s beef plant in Fort Morgan, Colorado, are headed back to work after union members approved a new five-year labor agreement.

The deal ends a three-month dispute that kept the plant shut down.

Cargill says the facility will restart in phases, with workers returning on different schedules. Employees will first go through training and prepare equipment and production areas.

The Teamsters say the full return-to-work process is expected to take about 30 days.

Cargill locked out workers May 20th after union members rejected an earlier contract offer. The two sides spent months negotiating wages, benefits and other issues before reaching the new agreement.

Cargill says cattle processing will resume once employees are trained, cattle supplies are available and the plant is ready.

The Fort Morgan plant is a major beef processing facility, and its restart comes as the industry continues to deal with historically tight cattle supplies.

REFERENCE: https://meatingplace.com/cargill-workers-approve-deal-clearing-way-for-fort-morgan-restart/

Feeder Cattle Sale Dates & Deadlines

August 24: Superior Livestock Auction Labor Day Catalog Deadline

August 28: Superior Livestock Auction Labor Day Video Deadline

September 2 - 3: Superior Livestock Auction Labor Da